New lawsuit aims to revoke animal welfare license of Chimp Crazy's Tonia Haddix

FESTUS, Mo. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative lawsuit against Tonia Haddix, a Missouri woman at the center of high-profile legal battles and controversies over exotic animal ownership, specifically chimpanzees.

Tonia Haddix has recently gained notoriety as the focus of new viral HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy,” which explores her actions and broader issues related to the private ownership of exotic animals. The docuseries is based on original reporting from FOX Files investigator Chris Hayes.

This new lawsuit aims to terminate Haddix of a federal Animal Welfare Act license that allows her to broker and transport infant monkeys and other wild animals, in addition to operating her roadside animal zoo in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

The lawsuit accuses Haddix of lying in federal court about Tonka's death. It alleges Haddix's conduct makes her unfit to keep her license.

This legal challenge comes as a Dec. 16 deadline nears for a federal court to decide whether to prosecute Haddix for criminal contempt of court.

Throughout the years, Haddix cared for the seven chimpanzees and bred them as talent for films and photoshoots, among other activities. These chimpanzees previously inhabited the Missouri Primate Foundation, a now-defunct animal breeding facility near Festus.

Haddix’s attachment to one chimpanzee, Tonka, sparked national attention in 2021. Tonka is a former animal movie star, appearing in films like the 1997 comedy Buddy. At some point, Haddix claimed that Tonka had died when she instead had him locked in her basement.

Animal advocacy groups like PETA have consistently alleged that many chimpanzees once under her care were unsafe and neglected.